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When you lose your keys or move into a new house, replace the locks on your doors to ensure no one else has access to your home. Save money you would otherwise spend on a locksmith by changing the locks yourself. A straightforward task, replacing a standard home door lock requires only basic DIY skills and common tools. Available at your local hardware or home renovation store, new door lock kits, called locksets, include all the screws and replacement parts you need.

1

Unscrew the two screws on the base plate of the door knob on the interior side of the door using a screwdriver with the appropriate head. Pull out the two door knobs.

2

Remove the two smaller screws holding the metal faceplate and latch mechanism in place on the narrow face of the door where the latch “tongue” comes out to lock the door. Pull out the latch mechanism.

3

Unscrew the two screws in the strike plate – the metal plate surrounding the hole in the door jamb that the lock extends into when the door is closed. Remove the old strike plate and screw in the new strike plate included in your lockset. If the old and new strike plates are identical you can keep the old one in place.

4

Place the new locking mechanism and faceplate into the same hole you removed the old latch from, and screw it in place. Ensure the latch “tongue” faces the proper way, with the sloping edge of the latch facing the direction the door swings closed.

5

Insert the exterior door knob – the one with the key hole and no screw holes – into the lock hole by sliding its metal spindle through the hole in the locking mechanism. Turn the door knob to check the spindle turns the locking mechanism so the latch “tongue” extends when you turn the knob.

6

Fit the interior door knob into the lock hole and fasten the knob with the screws included in your lockset.

7

Lock and unlock the door a few times to ensure the lock works correctly.

Things You Will Need

Phillips or flat-head screwdriver

Tip

If the holes for the small screws that attach the strike plate or the faceplate of the locking mechanism are stripped, fill the holes with matchsticks and glue. Allow the glue to dry, then reset the screws. Make sure the faceplate of the locking mechanism is still flush with the door edge.

About the Author

Ann Salter began writing professionally in 2010 and has worked extensively in the fields of art, architecture and design since 2004. Her work has appeared in informative guides on student housing cooperatives and sustainable building alternatives. Other areas of specialty include technology, health, gardening and cooking. Salter holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo.